New York, NY - The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has established a special web site to assist with information and resources during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The site, www.goarch.org/en/special/hurricane_katrina/, features the latest news on the response, along with a link for online donations to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief Fund, and message boards to assist with information on families, parishioners, and parishes affected by the disaster.
Also included on the site is a special bulletin insert that can be used by our parishes to inform and to assist with donations. The insert is in a pdf format and can be easily printed, reproduced, and distributed. The site also includes a section for prayer requests and a link to various services of the Church that guide in offering prayer and supplication during this difficult time.
The site also has a direct link to the web site of International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), the humanitarian aid agency of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas. IOCC is working with other disaster relief agencies to coordinate the general relief effort. Already, response teams are confirming the extent of this tragedy and working to establish relief centers and direct supplies to people in the devastated areas and to the hundreds of thousands of refugees who are relocating to other areas in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas. IOCC is asking Orthodox parishes to assemble health kits to assist with the immediate needs. Information on the contents of the kits and where to send them can be found at http://www.iocc.org/kidspage/healthkit_frameset.html.
The site is also serving the growing need for communication among clergy, parishioners, and families displaced by the disaster. The message boards are linked to the site or can be accessed at http://forums.goarch.org. Those who do not have Internet access can offer or request information from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta at 404-634-9345.
As more information on the relief effort and the status of the Orthodox parishes in the region becomes available, it will be posted on this special site. Offers of specific types of assistance can also be directed to IOCC at 1-877-803-4622.
Contact: Dept. of Communications
Email:
Marissa Costidis -
Fr. Nektarios Morrow -